Plate 7: a peasant woman carrying a child to right, speaking to another child standing facing right in center, a castle to left in the background, from 'Caprice faict par de la Bella' 1640 - 1645

This etching, made by Stefano della Bella, presents us with a scene dominated by figures of rural life. The Madonna-like figure carrying a child, evokes a timeless symbol: the mother. The mother carrying her child immediately recalls the iconography of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of purity, nurture, and divine love, known through centuries. Observe how this image has evolved, reappearing in different guises across cultures. Even in antiquity, maternal figures were central. We find echoes of this figure in ancient Egyptian depictions of Isis and Horus, protectors of the people and symbols of life, nourishment, and protection. This archetype resonates deeply, engaging viewers on a profound subconscious level. Maternal gestures trigger empathy, protection, and care. It is an echo that repeats throughout history, revealing the cyclical nature of human experience. From ancient goddesses to Renaissance Madonnas, the image of the mother persists, continually renewed.